Family affair: Father and daughters face court over R5 million Lifttech fraud scheme
Robert Amos, 57, appeared in the Goodwood Magistrate’s Court on Thursday after the Hawks swooped on him and his two daughters for defrauding a company of millions.
Image: Hawks
A father and his two daughters have been released on R20,000 bail following their court appearance for allegedly defrauding a lift and hoist company of millions.
Nicole Robyn April, 35, a former bookkeeper at Lifttech Lift and Hoist Services, along with her sister Kayla Catherine Amos, 31, and their father Robert Gabriel Amos, 57, appeared briefly in the Goodwood Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
Nicole April, 35, a former lifts company bookkeeper, had access and control of the company's bank accounts. Investigation revealed that she allegedly siphoned approximately R5 million.
Image: Supplied / Hawks
The trio face charges of fraud, theft, and money laundering.
Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani confirmed that the family members were apprehended by members of the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team on a warrant of arrest.
“The alleged fraud and theft occurred between 2019 and 2022, and discrepancies were identified during the audit. The matter was referred to the Hawks for further probing.
“It is alleged that Nicole April, as a bookkeeper, had access and control of the company's bank accounts. Investigation revealed that during the said period, she siphoned approximately R5 million from the bank account of the company to her personal bank account, from her account to the account of her sister, as well as her father. The funds were used for personal gain,” said Hani.
Kayla Amos, 31, faces charges of fraud, theft, and money laundering.
Image: Supplied / Hawks
Further investigation showed that April disguised the purpose of the fund transfers by making false entries on the banking records.
“Furthermore, without authorisation, she gave herself a salary increase amounting to R138,000 over the period, and fraudulently applied for a petrol card.
“As a result of their actions, the company was prejudiced in the amount of R5 million.”
Hani confirmed that the three were each granted bail with stringent conditions.
The matter was postponed to February 4, 2026, when they will appear at the Parow Regional Court.
Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.
Cape Argus